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CONNECTIONS - UUCA Newsletter

Join Us for Worship this Sunday

Sunday, February 18, 9:15 & 11:15 a.m.

Singing for Our Lives

Singing is and always has been an important element of our Unitarian Universalist history. Singing has also been a fundamental power and presence in social justice movements all over the world. Together with guest musician Charles Brown and members of the Zion Praise and Worship Choir and Band this musically interactive service will celebrate and explore the powerful individual and collective transformational moments that occur when we come together and create community through song. This service is not to be missed!

The service is led by Mimi Bornstein, Director of Music Ministry, Christin Green, Intern Minister, along with guest musician Charles Brown, Vocal Director at Zion Church in Landover, Md. And, joining Clerestory Choir are members from Zion's Praise and Worship Choir and Band.

Livestream

Sunday Parking

Did you know UUCA has two auxiliary parking lots available on Sunday mornings? To help UUCA be a more welcoming community to first-time visitors, newcomers and those with limited mobility, we ask that all able-bodied drivers park in one of our auxiliary lots. There is the Mason's lot directly across from the church on George Mason Drive--PLEASE cross at the light when parking there. And, we have access to the Arlington Hall Park lot off of S. Fourth Street, one block south of the church off of George Mason. Also, there is street parking along George Mason, First Place S., and the Arlington Blvd. frontage road. See map here.

President's Day - February 19

UUCA offices and building will be closed on February 19 in observance of President's Day. No meetings or events are scheduled for the day and evening.

WIFI - PW Change

Please call the church office or see a staff member on Sunday for the new WIFI password.

Transmissions Meditation

Our next Transmissions meditation service will be on Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Transmissions is a healing service and sound meditation for reflection and spiritual deepening. Come for an evening of contemplative meditation accompanied by music and soundscapes by Woven Green. Yoga mat or blanket is optional. Freewill donation. Schedule here.

Date: Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.

Location: Sanctuary

Annual Giving Campaign

Let Us Be Grateful

Every week in church service we almost reflexively recite these words at the offering. We profess our covenantal and personal gratitude “when we are able to give”, “for the generosity of others”, and “even in our need”. Pledge month is the time to “walk the walk” of our gratitude.

Last week, Chad Ohlandt summarized the ways in which we at UUCA are privileged to be able to give to our community and our world with our support and service--PAG, AFAC, ASPAN, ALIVE*, Appalachian youth mission; VOICE**; Equality UUCA; Dreamers; Allyship training, Peace Camp just to list a few. We can do this because this church offers us a place to gather, to know one another’s minds, to organize, and to act in ways far magnified from what many of us as individuals could. That’s a privilege that many do not have.

We are seeing a remarkable demonstration of generosity and commitment from our congregation. Over the week between Celebration Sunday and through last Sunday, the number of pledges received doubled and pledged income exceeded $700,000. This pace far exceeds that of previous years at the same point in time and we are approaching 50% of our goal as we approach the midpoint. This generosity enriches our spirits and encourages us forward in our own personal commitments, in appreciation and solidarity with the others in our congregation.

We have much to be grateful for in the generosity of support we have received from the Unitarian Universalist Association ( UUA). This is all the more reason that we hope this . . Read more.

PLEDGE HERE

Board Matters

Let’s Talk About the Budget

By Paula Bendl Smith, Trustee

Let’s talk about the budget. All are invited to participate in the budget development process. As Unitarian Universalists, when it comes to budget planning we rely heavily on our Seven Principles. The budget process includes a discussion of conscience, the use of the democratic process, and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Our Acting Executive Tamara Schrader, and our volunteer Treasurer, Peter Vitaliano will hold six open meetings to listen and learn from the Congregation before our budget is finalized, recommended by the Board, and voted on at the annual meeting in June. Would you like to join us in the conversation? Look for the schedule of meetings to be released soon.

Ministry Matters

A Sacred Sound

by Mimi Bornstein, Director of Music Ministry

In the service I led at the beginning of this year I encouraged all of you to think about singing in church in a new way. Whether you are someone who has shied away from singing in public, or are a professional singer, or a person who falls somewhere in between those extremes, I invited you to consider your voice as the sacred sound of your soul--one that not only deserves to be heard, but serves as an important and necessary thread in the sound tapestry we create as a beloved community. I have been so moved by the stories that many of you have shared with me since then. I have heard from numerous people that have never really participated in hymn singing but are now singing--and how much they appreciate being part of the joyful noise we create! And . . . what an absolute pleasure it’s been to witness and listen to you all! Not only do you sound amazing--but the level of engagement and community-building has been a beautiful thing to witness and be part of. Bravo!

If you enjoy singing and are looking for opportunities to do it more,

here are a few options . . .

Nominating Committee Wants You!

The Nominating Committee is in search of members to serve in a variety of capacities.

Trustees to the Board, Board Secretary, and members of the Nominating Committee. All are 2-year terms, starting in July 2018.
Members for a ministerial search committee.
Members to serve as delegates to the annual UU Association General Assembly to be held June 20-24, 2018, in Kansas City, Missouri. GA details here. Online delegate application here.

If you're interested in learning more, nominating someone or nominating yourself, please stop by the Nominating Committee table between services on Sunday or contact any Nominating Committee member: Ben D’Avanzo, [email protected]; Liz Fuchs, [email protected]; Tina Hinh, [email protected]; James Tsai, [email protected]; or Bill Turner, [email protected] or send an email to [email protected].

Lifespan Religious Education

Treat Yo' Self @ Youth Group

The theme for Youth Group this week is Self-Care Sunday a.k.a. Treat Yo’ Self! It’s a holiday weekend, so take a break from life’s business and join us for Bagels and opportunities to de-stress, have fun, and take care of you! Contact Elisabeth Geschiere, [email protected] .

Youth Group meets every Sunday at 11:15 a.m., in the Youth Room.

Read the rest of Religious Education news in RE Connect:

RE ConnectNewsletter HERE

Faith in Action

African American Book Sharing Circle

The group will continue the discussion about We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The discussion will concentrate on essays about the black family in the age of mass incarceration, the American girl (AKA Michelle Obama), Obama’s eighth year as President, and Coates’ epilogue. Read more.

Date: Friday, February 16, 7:30 p.m.

Location: Welcome Room

Early American Black Women Writers

How did early American Black women writers fight racism and re-imagine the world through their songs, poems, speeches, stories, essays and novels? We’re finding out, by first discovering who these remarkable women were, and by reading samples of their work aloud in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. No advance reading; just show up once a month. Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 21, 7 to 9 p.m. Volunteer facilitators provide brief biographies and texts during each gathering. Read more.

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Welcome Room

Equality UUCA Invitation

Equality UUCA invites you to stop by the Board Room after second service this Sunday. We'll be making plans for dinner for LGBTQ asylum seekers and getting ready to "wrap UUCA in a rainbow" again for June Pride Week. Want to plan a brunch outing to Freddie's or a movie field trip? Join in! Contact: [email protected].

Date: Sunday, February 18, 12:30 p.m.

Location: Board Room

UUCA Guatemala Delegation Travel Blog

UUCA's delegation to Guatemala arrived safe and sound last Saturday and wasted no time connecting with our social justice partners: ADIVIMA and NISGUA . The delegation is meeting with human rights and environmental activists and scholarship recipients in and around Rabinal, Guatemala. Follow them on their journey via their travel blog here.

Spring Allyship Workshop Registration Now Open

As part of our congregation's Live the Pledge campaign to end racism, UUCA has partnered with Service Never Sleeps to offer a racial justice Allyship training. Over 100 UUCAers have already taken this training. Now it’s your turn. This workshop will teach you about the causes of racial injustice, how to be an effective ally for marginalized communities of color, and how to actively influence and educate others. This is a natural follow-up to the two-day Live the Pledge to End Racism workshop but is also appropriate for first-timers. More information and sign up here. UUCA contact Alex Ziehm,

[email protected].

DIG (Do it Green) is Doing

UUCA's landscape/garden maintenance team, DIG, conducts workdays twice a month. In February, removal of invasive Japanese honeysuckle and English ivy will be the major focus. Also, we will mulch in places where the ground has hooved as a result of freezing and thawing. All are welcome to lend a hand. Bring gardening tools if you have them. Extras will be available.

Workday:

Saturday, February 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DIG Meeting Date:

The next DIG meeting is Wednesday, February 21, 3 - 4:30 p.m. to plan for Earth Day and getting ready for spring!

Questions about DIG? Contact Jennifer Frum, [email protected] .

Peace Camp Registration OPEN

The 2018 theme is “Explore a Path to Peace,” and reflects the goal of creating a summer camp environment where campers and counselors alike can experience, learn, and practice peace. Rising K-6 graders are eligible to apply; rising 7-9 grades can be Counselors in Training (same fee, longer hours). Lunch is included! Before and after-care, as well as partial or full scholarships, are available (See [email protected]). UUCA Peace Camp volunteers will be at tables in Fellowship Hall thru March 18 for more information or to register. To register on-line click HERE!

This year's dates for Peace Camp are June 25-29 ($315) or July 2-6 ($265, no camp July 4).

Music Ministry

Peter and the Starcatcher Opens February 23!

Come see the 22nd annual Chalice Theatre production and see how Captain Hook lost his hand, how starstuff changes fish, and other oddities and amazements! Proper British seaman, pirates, mermaids, mollusks, and magic populate this tale of the origins of the Peter Pan stories. Suitable for children from 6 to 90+. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee every weekend through March 11, with an added matinee on Saturday March 10. Tickets are available here or after service on Sunday.

Congregational Life

Let's Take a Hike

Please join UUCAer Bill Fogarty for a family-friendly congregational hike on March 3 at Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington. The park has bathroom facilities, and a number of trails for both novice and experienced hikers. Volunteers interested in helping as hike leaders, please contact Bill, [email protected]. RSVP not required but if you plan on hiking, please let Bill know for planning purposes.

Date: Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m.

Location: Potomac Overlook Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington

Men's Book Group

You are welcome to join the Men's Book Group when they meet to discuss the fun and witty mystery, The Burglar Who Traded Ted Williams, by Lawrence Block, on March 11, 7:30 p.m. And, on April 8 they will discuss a non-fiction read yet to be determined. Watch this space for the announced title. For more information on the group, please contact Ken Marshall, [email protected] or call 703-533-8004.

Date: Sunday, March 11, 7:30 p.m.

Location: Chapel

Photo Directory

Photography appointments are still available for next week and we’ve added Feb. 16-17. You can sign up here or at the table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Podcast Chat

Join the Young Adult Group for the Podcast Chat discussion group! We meet twice a month on Saturdays in the chapel downstairs. We provide the name of a specific podcast episode and everyone listens to the episode on their own during the week. Then we get together and discuss. This week's discussion is from Radiolab and covers the law, morality and ethics. Listen to the podcast here. Questions? Contact Elisabeth Geschiere: [email protected].

Date: Saturday, February 17, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Location: Chapel

Divine Reading Group is

The Divine Reading Group is a Young Adults Group which treats secular short stories as though they were sacred texts. The belief behind the strategies is that personal truth and meaning can come from a wide variety of sources. This group is ideal for those who love reading and discussion. It is also a place where deep and meaningful introspection occurs, friendships are made, and the very nature of religion is explored. No advance prep needed. Questions? Contact Elisabeth Geschiere,

[email protected].

Date: Thursday, February 22, 7-9 p.m.

Location: Youth Room

New UU Class w/ Rev. Beth Miller

Learn about Unitarian Universalism and this church in this one-session class. There will be plenty of chances to ask questions and to get to know others in the class. It's also part of the path to membership at UUCA. The class is free and includes lunch. Free childcare is available on request. Register here. Email [email protected] with questions or to request childcare.

Date: Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Fellowship Hall

Telling Our Stories: Portrait of a Life

Last week we introduced our new occasional column, Telling Our Stories , with the first part of the story of Renee Gholz , one of UUCA's cherished centenarians. In Part I, we learned Renee grew up in the upper Midwest and was the youngest of six and spoke only French until her older brother went to school where he learned English. Her fascinating story continues with a secret she must keep through college and the beginning of her teaching career. Read Part II here .

Part I here.

Wheel of Life

Our condolences to the family and friends of Chris Morrison , who died on February 3 in Connecticut. Chris and her husband John were long-time members of UUCA, and she served in many leadership roles, including chair of the Board. A service at UUCA is planned for sometime in the summer. Read her obituary here.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Marian Ciaccio will be held at Goodwin House-Bailey's, on Saturday, February 24, 2:00 p.m., in their chapel with reception to follow.